Merino wool " The high-tech fiber from nature

Merino wool is considered an absolute all -rounder in the outdoor area. But what makes the natural product so unique and what should you pay attention to when buying the clothing? You can find out all of this and a lot more in the following blog post.

What is merino wool?

Approximately 5 % of worldwide Fiber volume consists Sheep's wool, to the Merinoshafe with around 40 % contribute to the largest share. Merino wool is a very fine, soft, low -gloss, heavy ruffled and extremely high -quality wool from merinoshaf.

It is therefore particularly suitable for use in clothing -related clothing, for example as a Baselayer (onion shell principle).

The main component of all animal fiber fabrics is always a protein (protein). Depending on the variety or origin, sheep's wool is composed as follows:
 

Where does merino wool come from?

There are now many countries that hold merinoshafe. The actual sheep farming began around 1280 when the merinoshafe originally from North Africa came to Spain. In the Middle Ages, wool was the most important textile raw material in Europe.

The export of merinoshafe from Spain, until then prohibited from the Spanish royal family under the threat of death penalty, began in the mid -18th century.

The sheep were mainly after Germany, England, Austria and Russia exportedwhere they were crossed with local breeds (from which the so -called crusades or crossbreds were created). In the 19th century, European settlers began to build huge flocks of sheep in overseas.

Today is Australia the main supplier for merino wool.

• New Zealand,
• South Africa,
• Argentina
• And the Falkland Islands are also well-known merino wool suppliers.

How is merino wool manufactured and processed?

Merino wool is produced by merinoos, which are mainly bred in Australia and New Zealand. The Wool of merino merchants Is special fine and softwhich makes it a coveted raw material for the production of high -quality clothing and textiles.

1. The production of merino wool begins with the scissors of the sheep, which usually takes place once a year.
2. The sheared wool is then washed to remove dirt and contamination. Lanolin and other natural fats that are contained in the wool are also removed.
3. After cleaning, the wool is sorted and classified, depending on its fineness, length and color.
4. Then it is combed to remove knots and complications and create an even texture.

The finished merino wool can then be on different types processed become to make clothes and textiles from them. This includes, for example, that

• Knit,
• Weave,
• Fel
• And spin.

The type of processing depends on which end product should be produced and what properties the wool must have.

Usually becomes Merino wool Due to its softness and breathing activity to high -quality clothing such as Pullovers, socks, scarves and hats processed. Especially for Outdoor clothing How Hiking and ski clothing Merino wool is very popular due to their natural insulation properties and moisture regulation.

The majority of our wool come from farmers from Australia and New Zealand, less often from Argentina and South Africa. We obtain this wool through a renowned German supplier: Southwool.

Southwool is subject to the ZQ standards-a program launched by New Zealand Merino Company. ZQ has set itself the goal of sensitizing people to incorporate their own standards and values ​​into their purchase decisions.

High quality merino wool is always a clever and sustainable decision. The ZQ seal ensures that the merino wool corresponds to the five central values ​​of ZQ: animal welfare, ecological sustainability, social responsibility, verifiable sources and high-quality wool.

Is merino wool cruelty to animals?

This question is justified often. Finally, so -called mulesing is practiced in many countries. The cruel procedure causes a lot of suffering in animals. Many producers don't seem to care because the maximization of profits seems to be above everything.

We at Alpin Loacker Conshanced us from such producers. Animal welfare is very important to us. We strictly reject animal suffering.

In the following we will show you what the so -called mulesing is all about. But be careful! This is not for the faint of heart.

The suffering of merinoshafe

Mulesing is a painful practice to prevent parasites. In order for merinoshafe to produce even more wool, they were grown particularly wrinkled. In the skin folds under the thick fur, moisture quickly collects. Schreißflfliegen use this climate to take off your eggs primarily in the anus area of ​​the animals.

Mades hatch out of these eggs, which the sheep eat out in a lively body. Instead of breeding animals with less fur and wrinkles, many farmers in Australia and other countries try to prevent this fly infestation with so -called mulesing.

Here, cut the lambs without gift of painkillers. A smooth, scarred surface should form, which no longer offers attack surface for fly eggs.

Mulesing -free merino wool: What do I have to pay attention to?

When it comes to merino wool, you should make sure that the wool comes from countries or farms that are proven to not operate mulesing. Ask the respective company where the wool comes from. There are often many middlemen and it is hardly understandable where the wool comes from.

In this case, the price can be a clue. You should look at cheap merino clothing with skepticism. Pull out brand manufacturers that pay attention to the quality and origin of the wool.

Mulesing has been officially banned in New Zealand since October 1, 2018. The wool of the sheep is marked with the voluntary quality seal of the New Zealand Merino Company. Here is a list ofBrands against mulesing are and only produce and process mulesing -free wool.

Advantages & properties of merino wool

Merino wool does not scratch

The word "wool" alone triggers itching in many people. No wonder, after all, it usually causes uncomfortable scratching on the skin. It's different with merino wool. She Don't scratch. Merino wool is Particularly fine and short -stacked as a conventional wool. It ranges from 14.5 to 25 micrometers.

This corresponds to a length of 35–150 mm. For example, German wool has a fineness of 28.5 - 38 microns. This means: Merino wool bends when contacting skin because it is so fine and elastic. The nerve cells on the skin perceive this as pleasant and not scratching as with conventional new wool.

Basically there are the following Quality classes in the merino wool: 

Why is merino wool warm when it's cold?

Wollxiles are known for their good insulation properties. Wool has a so -called natural thermore regulation property. Due to its curled structure, the Merinofiber up to 85 % air (based on their total volume) contain.

At low temperatures, this air cushion is warmed up by the body temperature. Air is a bad heat conductor and so the heat remains in the gaps of the fiber. So the locked air reduces

• the heat exchange in the material,
• Saves body heat
• And thus looks insulating to the outside.

As a result, merino wool ensures a cozy warmth in cold temperatures.

Merino wool is odorless

Merino wool is odorless even with strong sweat. The wool fibers owe this special property to their natural self -cleaning function. Wool accepts dirt badly.

Received smell is returned to the air. As long as the natural wool wax (lanolin) is not washed out, woolen fabrics are hardly dirty and rarely need to be cleaned. The wool smells neutral again after a short ventilation.

The core of the fiber is responsible for this natural process. It consists of two different cell types that can absorb different amounts of moisture. When it comes to moisture absorption, these swell much. This creates a constant frictional process through which the fibers always clean themselves.

Material mix: What does the art fiber content do?

Many manufacturers offer merino wool clothing that is mixed with other fibers. Mixtures with polyacrylic nitril fibers are often found because their properties come closest to those of the wool fibers.

This can Increase the functionality of the materialby combining the advantages of the synthetic fibers with those of the merino wool. As a rule, art fibers are used to make the material more durable.

A small proportion of Elasthan makes the material even more stretchy and increases the tear resistance. In addition dry merino art fiber mixtures faster and improve moisture transport. Another advantage is that the clothing is more easy to care for.

Merino wool care: washing of merino wool

In contrast to conventional wool, merino clothing can be easily washed in the washing machine at 30 degrees- without running without running. It is best to use wool detergents. Would you like more information? In the blog postWash & maintain instructions instructions Everything you should know about the care of merino wool.

Is merino wool sustainable?

Merino clothing from Alpin Loacker is 100 % sustainable. We write environmental and animal welfare. Sustainability begins with wool production and prevails from processing to transport.

Conclusion

As you read above, merino wool has a lot of positive properties. The different qualities of the wool fibers make it possible that this high -tech material can be used all year round. Merino clothing can therefore be used in a wide variety of areas.

Merino clothes are not only popular in outdoor sports, you also benefit from the positive properties of this fiber in everyday life. As a T-shirt in summer for hiking or in everyday life in the office.

Especially on hikes and long tours, it makes sense to use Merino T-shirts, merino underwear and merino socks, since merino wool has to be washed less and is pleasant on the skin in both cool and high temperatures. Sweat is sucked up and transported to the outside. So he can evaporate in the air.

When buying, you should pay attention to this:

• What kind of strength (quality) does the merino wool have? Are the wool fibers thicker or rather thinner? This is important for the area of ​​application. In winter, for example, you take the thicker longsleeve, for example, and in summer the light merino shirt for hiking.
• Where does the wool come from? Is it mulesing -free and therefore created free of animal suffering? If there is no information or it is difficult to get information, you should ask yourself why. This can be can also be determined at the price. You should take a critical look at inexpensive merino products. If you are not sure, ask the respective company.

FAQ on the topic: merino wool

Scratches merino wool?

No. Merino wool is particularly fine and elastic. As soon as it comes into contact with your skin, it gently nestles. This makes it particularly gentle and cuddly.

Is merino wool skin -friendly?

Yes! Merino wool is also suitable for sensitive skin as a pollutant -free, non -scratching material.

What do you wear under Merino?

Even if it sounds paradoxical: Under merino folle clothing, you best wear merino underwear. Thanks to yours

• Temperature equalization,
• quick -drying end
• and antibacterial properties

Is it the optimal all -rounder for sports, leisure and everyday life.

More about merino wool:

• Merino wool - what is mulesing?